Nick Keeley writes:

Early start today, not least because of lorries thundering past my window at 5 am. Took the time to walk up and photograph Banbury Cross – still feeling cross at awful, overcooked meal at yesterday’s hotel. Set off at 8.30 in glorious weather.

A steady climb out of Banbury meant I had fine views for a lot of the morning. As there wasn’t a headwind it was quite relaxed riding, and I had time to enjoy coffee and a cake in Leamington Spa.

After another steady climb past Kenilworth Castle it started to cloud over and I noticed the hills more. Near the top of one hill I was pushing my bike when I saw a farm shop and cafe, so I stopped for coffee and cake.

I finally reached Coleshill – I should have realised from the name – it’s at the top of a hill. I arrived at about 2.20pm after a ride of 41 miles ( 115 to date.)

I was encouraged by a text telling me there were four new sponsors today – so thanks to them for helping me along. Thanks also to Cathy and Neil for their magnificent leafleting campaign on my behalf.

To donate online please click on : http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/nickkeeley

Tongue-in-cheek: The Environment Agency visited the pond on the 18th June and built these steps so that the good ladies of Guildford Road could more easily get down to the water to do their laundry 😉

Have you spotted them in your walks around the pond?

Nick’s Route – Day 1

Map: The red line shows the distance Nick has covered today, the green line is the route still to go! 

Nick Keeley writes: 

Many thanks to those who made it to Chestnut Grove early on Sunday morning to wave me off. 

Today wasn’t too difficult and I made it to Thame, a distance of 42 miles, by about a quarter to three. Henley was choc full of Regatta people, so I didn’t stop there long, and pushed on to Pis Hill (yes, really), at the top of the Chilterns, and stopped for a large sandwich and a cold drink. Then I turned the corner and realised that I wasn’t at the top after all, and had another hill to go. It was nice rolling down the other side and on to Thame. 

A bath and a doze at The Spreadeagle put me in the mood for dinner, and more sleep. 

Michelle Salter writes:

Crowds of well wishers lined the streets, cheering and waving flags, as Nick set off on his epic 500 mile journey to cycle to Liverpool and back!

Ok, that’s a slight exaggeration, but a handful of Fleet Pond Society stalwarts stood at the end of Nick’s driveway on Chestnut Grove and waved as he peddled along the bumpy highway into the great unknown …ok, he turned right onto Avondale Road.

Keep an eye on the blog for the latest news from Nick, who hopes to reach Thame by this evening. I’ll also be posting regular updates on facebook/Fleet Pond Nature Reserve page.

Nick is undertaking this mammoth challenge to raise money for Fleet Pond’s Clearwater Campaign, see www.fleetpondsociety.co.uk for further details.

The Clearwater Campaign is vital to the future of Fleet Pond, if we are to prevent it losing its status as a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) or even disappearing completely due to the increasingly serious problem of silting.

Please help us to safeguard the future of Fleet Pond by donating online at:

www.charitygiving.co.uk/nickkeeley 

 Photo credits: Michelle Salter